My partner and I decided to visit Cape Reinga during Auckland Anniversary, we both had never been before and had talked about it for years. We stayed at a nice Boutique Motel in Paihia and made our trek on Sunday morning at around 7am. The journey brought light showers and heavy winds but didn't stop us from making it to the very tip of the North Island.
It was about 3 and a half hour drive from Paihia, I would 100% recommend bringing warm clothing and getting in early before the carparks are taken, even on a windy day people are visiting. Enjoy!